Does the thought of using a PDF sewing pattern make you feel anxious?Are you worried that downloading and printing a PDF pattern is too high-tech for you? 

Let me take all your anxieties and fears away and provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need to step into the world of sewing with PDF patterns. 

Ok… but what exactly IS a PDF pattern?

A PDF pattern is just like a traditional pattern, but it’s digital! Rather than buying a physical pattern at your local craft store, or having a physical pattern shipped to your house from an online store, a PDF pattern (or digital pattern) is instantly downloaded to your computer’s hard-drive. When you download a PDF pattern from Flosstyle you will be able to download the pattern in A4, letter or A0 for some patterns. The moral of the story is, a PDF pattern is almost exactly the same as a traditional pattern, it’s just in a digital format. A PDF pattern should not be too different from the sewing patterns you are used to using.  

That makes sense… How do I buy one?

In the simplest of terms, you purchase a PDF pattern the same way you’d purchase anything online. In most cases, once you press “buy” (or something to that effect) your PDF pattern will instantly download to your computer. Some shops may also send you the PDF pattern directly to your chosen email address. To buy a Flosstyle Pattern you can visit our shop.

Ok now I’m following you, but what do I do once I’ve downloaded a PDF pattern?

Once you have the PDF pattern, it’s time to get printing! Now stay with me here, printing the PDF pattern is probably the trickiest part of using PDF patterns (and in all honesty, it isn’t actually THAT hard once you get your around it). The most important thing to remember when printing PDF patterns is to ensure the print is scaled at 100% or actual size. Your printer may give you the option to “scale to fit”… DO NOT scale to fit. As most home printers only print A4/Letter size prints, you will need to assemble the pieces together to make your full pattern. Make sure you have a glue stick or some tape handy. 

If you don’t have a printer at home don’t fret, you can get the PDF pattern printed at your local print and copy store. A professional print copy store will have industrial printers and  will be able to print your pattern on larger pieces of paper to avoid the assembly process. If you do engage the help of a print and copy store, be sure to provide them with clear instructions to scale the print at 100%, and not “scale to fit”. Now that you’re well equipped to get started with PDF patterns, let me tell why you PDF are great, and why you may never go back to traditional patterns. 

They don’t break the bank

PDF sewing patterns are often cheaper than traditional patterns purchased at craft stores. Another added benefit – no shipping fees!

The variety of patterns is endless

Can’t find anything exciting, fun or unique at your local craft store? All you need to do is a quick google search and you will find countless PDF patterns to pick from. Better yet, check out the Flosstyle Store. We have a huge catalogue of clothing items that can be made to fit newborns and adults.

Our baby carriers will have you and your baby looking stylish, feeling comfortable, and most importantly staying safe. If sewing articles of clothing isn’t your thing, Flosstyle have you covered with a range of patterns for various accessories from chair bags to wallets, and even adorable toys you can create for your baby. 

Check out a list of all our free patterns here.

You can print as many copies as you need at the touch of a button

If you’re anything like me, you may have a tendency to lose, or accidentally spill coffee on your patterns. These woes can be put behind you with PDF patterns. Lost the final piece you need to finish your project? Not a worry – just print out a new one!

Spilt a fresh pot of tea all over a freshly printed pattern? Just push the print button again and you’re back in business! You can’t say that about traditional patterns. Another benefit of being able to print as many copies of your pattern that you need? There is no longer the need to undertake the tedious process of tracing the pattern onto tracing paper, as you have unlimited copies of the pattern at your disposal. Once you’ve downloaded the PDF the pattern is yours forever, safely stored on your personal hard-drive, to use as many times as you need. 

They’re super easy to follow 

Lots of PDF patterns are made by independent designers who have the customers at the front of their mind. This means that the patterns are not only uniquely designed, but contain clear instructions and direction. Designers of PDF patterns are usually happy to answer any follow up queries or concerns you may have too.

Still not convinced? The Flossstyle online store has a number of amazing high quality FREE PDF patterns (we recommend starting with the one yard tote pattern!) that you can download for yourself, and experience the pleasure and ease of following a PDF pattern (and all before having to pull out your credit card!).

Join our facebook community, Flosstyle Fair to see beautiful finished products, and even get some hints and tips from fellow sewers. 

Supporting small and independent businesses

Independent designers put their heart and soul into creating PDF patterns (and it definitely shows!). The designer has often put hours of effort into each and every handmade design that you’re buying, and you’re directly supporting them to continue making their art. It doesn’t get more special than that. 

So now that you’re well equipped to download, print and assemble PDF patterns, and understand how amazing they are compared to traditional patterns, what are you waiting for?

Visit the Flosstyle online store to view a catalogue of high quality, easy to follow PDF sewing patterns for a range of clothing items, toys, and accessories (I recommend starting with the almost famous Ultimate Bucket Hat pattern). Enjoy your new found world of PDF patterns and let your creativity flow. 

Happy downloading and sewing!

Jess